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Kyuden Ikoma was a simple and spartan castle designed with practical military defense in mind. The lands surrounding it were particularly fertile, and were known as the Venerable Plains. [4] The fortress served as an informal meeting place for the leaders of the clan. Once the farthest outpost of Rokugan before the Return of the Ki-Rin, it served to defend the Lion from possible incursions from the Dragon or Unicorn. [2] From this time and duty came its name as 'Sacred Watch'. [5]

It would become the official headquarters of the Lion Clan Champion, and had since become the Lion capital when Ikoma Otemi became Champion. The palace saw heavy traffic from Ikoma wardens who constantly patrolled the nearby borders. [6]

In the winter of 1168-1169 the Unicorn Clan ChampionMoto Chagatai assaulted the Lion Clan in an attempt to get through to the Imperial City and take the throne, the Khan's Defiance. Initially the Unicorn breached three border posts and sacked Shiranai Toshi until they met with significant resistance at Kyuden Ikoma from forces led by Matsu Yoshino and Ikoma Otemi. The Unicorn were delayed sufficiently, but at the cost to the Lion of the main gate to Kyuden Ikoma being destroyed. In addition Otemi himself was seriously injured by Chagatai.

The Captain of the Watch, Ikoma Chikao, had wisely made sure to send any visiting dignitaries and as many supplies as he could away from the castle prior to the Unicorn attack to prevent their capture or destruction. [16]